Creator, Father, King #116

They scoffed at the prophets until the LORD’s anger could no longer be restrained and nothing could be done.

JERUSALEM’S WALLS WERE A charred heap of rubble. God’s great Temple was a burning pile of ruins. Dead bodies were everywhere. Most of those who had escaped the sword were forced into exile.

The year was 586 BC, and the vicious Babylonian army of King Nebuchadnezzar had accomplished its mission. The kingdom of Judah was conquered.

More than a century earlier, the mighty Assyrians had destroyed the northern kingdom of Israel. Judah had survived the ominous threat, thanks to God’s grace and a few righteous kings. Overall, though, Judah didn’t learn from the mistakes of idolatrous Israel. For centuries, Judah rebelled against God, following the detestable practices of the pagan nations around them, despite God’s continual, compassionate attempts to turn his people’s hearts back through his prophets.

But as today’s Scripture passage says, “The people mocked these messengers of God and despised their words. They scoffed at the prophets until the LORD’s anger could no longer be restrained and nothing could be done.”

Yet all was not lost. Because of God, there was still hope!

What’s It Mean?

God didn’t completely abandon his people. They had done absolutely nothing—zero, zilch, nada—to deserve his mercy and grace. Yet they would still be part of his cosmic plan to offer salvation to the nations through Christ.

Before long, God would turn the heart of Persia’s King Cyrus toward them, allowing them to return to the Promised Land and rebuild the Temple. Eventually, God would send his Son into the world through a young Jewish girl named Mary. Then, after Jesus’ ascension, God would start his worldwide church through Christ’s apostles (all Jews) and give us the New Testament almost exclusively through Jewish authors. No, God was definitely not through with Israel yet!

God is “slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (Psalm 86:15, ESV). But we must never presume upon his mercy, grace, and forgiveness. A day is coming when God will judge everyone once and for all—no retries, second chances, or do-overs.

God’s true children—those who trust in Jesus for salvation—don’t have to fear this judgment. They are secure in Christ. But those who still mock, despise, and scoff at his message have everything to fear.

Have you received God’s message of salvation in faith?

Now What?

Read the accounts of Judah’s fall in 2 Kings 25; 2 Chronicles 36; and Jeremiah 39.

Did You Know?

The only known Gentile New Testament author was Luke, who wrote the Gospel of Luke and Acts. (The author of Hebrews is unknown.)